Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Bozeman, MT: $169,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Bozeman, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,032/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Bozeman's price premium (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $164,893 in average-cost America. The 15% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the potential for an experienced physician assistant salary in Bozeman reaches remarkable heights, with top earners (P90) projected to make $169,032 annually and those at the 75th percentile (P75) earning $162,388. This places Bozeman's highest salary bracket significantly above the national top tier, reflecting a strong local market for senior-level PAs. The median annual compensation of $146,508 indicates a substantial experience premium when compared to the top pay scale—a gap that illustrates the value of expertise and specialization in this field. Achieving this top-tier pay typically requires extensive experience, particularly in high-demand specialties such as surgery or critical care, as well as continuous professional development through advanced certifications.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bozeman
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bozeman earn between $162,388 and $169,032 per year (2026 est.). This $52,859 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bozeman median of $146,508 sits 4.36% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bozeman | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,508 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,388 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,032 | $196,597 |
In Bozeman, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 15.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Bozeman
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $146,508 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bozeman employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Bozeman command premium compensation, often reaching the $162,388–$169,032 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bozeman metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Bozeman with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Montana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Bozeman
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBozeman ranks #4 of 7 Montana cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $169,032).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Bozeman ($169,032) is 1.51% above the Montana average P90 ($166,509).
2019 BLS Actual
$135,090
2025 BLS Actual
$163,600
2026 Current Est.
$169,032
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,538 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,643 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Bozeman saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $135,090 in 2019 to $163,600 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $174,643 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Bozeman
When examining the senior physician assistant pay in MT, numerous factors contribute to compensation variations in Bozeman. Specializations that command premium salaries include surgical positions in orthopedics and cardiothoracic care, emergency medicine, and dermatology, which can elevate earnings due to the complexity and skill required. Compensation structures also differ depending on the employer type. For instance, those working in hospital systems may have different financial benefits compared to surgical practices or urgent care locations. Leadership roles, such as PA program faculty or hospital chief PA, significantly enhance earning potential and career progression for experienced PAs. Advanced credentials, including a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification, are essential for top-tier positions. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors, such as RVU productivity bonuses and first-assist case volume, provide further opportunities for income enhancement, making Bozeman a lucrative city for seasoned physician assistants aiming for the top of their profession.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Bozeman in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Bozeman?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Bozeman?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Bozeman?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Bozeman?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $163,600 for physician assistants in the Bozeman metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov